Why Bees Are Worth Saving

Many species have been put on the endangered species list throughout the years, and most recently added are various species of bees. Bees are essential to our ecosystems and we need to band together and put all our efforts in to save the bees. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Honey

Bees make honey and so without them there would be no honey. Now, while honey is often overlooked, it has many health benefits. It can be used medicinally, for healing wounds, and has other general health benefits.

2. Cotton

Most of our clothing is made from cotton and without bees pollination wouldn’t be possible.

3. Flowers

In addition to pollination of cotton, without bees we wouldn’t have the flowers we do.

4. Fruits and Vegetables

Again I stress the importance of pollination. Without bees we wouldn’t have as many fruits and vegetables because bees wouldn’t be pollinating those plants and then they can’t grow.

5. Beeswax

This one isn’t as obvious as the other reasons stated but beeswax is used in many products like lipsticks, candles, moisturizers, and so much more. Without bees we wouldn’t have these products anymore, at the very least they wouldn’t be the same as they are now.

So, how can we play our part in saving the bees?

1. Limit the use of pesticides.

Pesticides aren’t good for you and so they also aren’t good for the bees. If you have your own garden limit use of pesticides. Also, buy local and organically grown foods to increase the demand for pesticide-free produce.

2. Plant things that native to your area.

If you are planting flowers plant ones that are native to your area. Bees like things they are familiar with and it will also not disrupt the local ecosystem.

3. Buy honey from local beekeepers.

By supporting local beekeepers you are ensuring that they keep good conditions for their bees.

4. Create a water basin for the local bees.

Bees need water and by putting a small dish outside with water you can provide for the bees in your area. Even by having a birdbath in your garden or yard you can help the bees. Just make sure there are small stones in the water that provide a place for the bees to rest on while they take a drink.

5. Share the awareness!

The more people that know about the endangerment of bees the more people can help to save them.

5 Perks Of Having A Long-Distance Best Friend

Sometimes, people get annoyed when girls refer to multiple people as their "best friend," but they don't understand. We have different types of best friends. There's the going out together best friend, the see each other everyday best friend and the constant, low maintenance best friend.

While I'm lucky enough to have two out of the three at the same school as me, my "low maintenance" best friend goes to college six hours from Baton Rouge.

This type of friend is special because no matter how long you go without talking or seeing each other, you're always insanely close. Even though I miss her daily, having a long-distance best friend has its perks. Here are just a few of them...

1. Getting to see each other is a special event.

Sometimes when you see someone all the time, you take that person and their friendship for granted. When you don't get to see one of your favorite people very often, the times when you're together are truly appreciated.

2. You always have someone to give unbiased advice.

This person knows you best, but they probably don't know the people you're telling them about, so they can give you better advice than anyone else.

3. You always have someone to text and FaceTime.

While there may be hundreds of miles between you, they're also just a phone call away. You know they'll always be there for you even when they can't physically be there.

4. You can plan fun trips to visit each other.

When you can visit each other, you get to meet the people you've heard so much about and experience all the places they love. You get to have your own college experience and, sometimes, theirs, too.

5. You know they will always be a part of your life.

If you can survive going to school in different states, you've both proven that your friendship will last forever. You both care enough to make time for the other in the midst of exams, social events, and homework.

A Walk Through The Woods That Eased My Pain

A week of constant pain left me exhausted. All I wanted to do was lie in bed. I didn't want to go anywhere, but my husband wanted to work from the park, so we went. After sitting on the bench for a while, uncomfortable and aching, I remembered sometimes when you're in pain it helps to walk it off, so I decided to take the trail through the woods.

The woods at this park, like most parks in Florida, are made up of various tall pines and low-lying shrubs. It is called a pine flatwood. I walked the path slowly, not in a rush to get anywhere, just there to enjoy it. The pine left a sweet odor. Slash pines and longleaf pines towered above, their long straight trunks topped with long bright green needles that stood against the blue Florida sky.

My back still ached a little but felt much better, so I kept moving. The path weaved through the woods. Partially shaded by the trees. People passed me, but I didn't mind. They were busy exercising; I was busy enjoying. I loved the dense saw palmetto that lined the forest floor. Some woods are darker or mostly brown colored, especially on the floor that is often covered in fallen wood and leaves, but not these woods, these woods are vibrant shades of green, green that makes you feel alive. It made me feel more alive than I had in days.

Typically, when I take walks in the park, I spend time watching the birds, seeing which ones I can identify. This time on the trail there weren't many birds, so my attention was drawn to the pines, palmettos, and other plants instead. Often, these plants go unnoticed, serving as a backdrop to the more exciting parts of nature. But as I turned my attention to the trees, I noticed how stunning they were.

I looked up noticing how their branches spread in front of the sky. Then I looked at the endless palmettos, extending through the woods. The trees towered above me, yet they were a comfort, a shelter, that helped take my mind off the aching. The trees are still and peaceful, helping me to be still too. To stand confidently and breathe, and to also rest, clear my head, and know that it'll all be okay.

I walked through the trees for a while, not wanting to stop. It's important we all learn from trees. In their still, patience they know things that we fast-paced humans often forget in our busy lives. Life needs to be enjoyed, slowed down and still, our minds and our bodies. And when we do, it's healing. Walk slowly, take it in, notice the trees that we often forget to notice because they are still, but that doesn't mean they aren't the wisest of us all.

My aching was not cured, but as I returned from my walk, I felt at peace, rejuvenated, alive. Like the bright green towering pines, I stood proud and breathed in the fresh air.